Mark Rifkind ‘24 Recruiting Profile

Personal Statement

I was born in Brooklyn, New York, but live in Bangkok, Thailand. The number of people who have gone on to play college basketball out of Thailand can be counted on one hand.  Due to this, many people have told me that it isn't feasible or even possible and I should have a more realistic goal than playing high-level NCAA basketball.
Proving people wrong has always been my favorite thing to do. I take pride in playing defense and making my teammates better. Every coach I've played for has talked about my motor and work ethic, and I've always lived by the motto, "no excuse is a good excuse".

 I've played in high school/AAU tournaments in the states (primarily the DMV) as a skinny half Asian kid, so I know exactly what it means to have thick skin and be tough. I strongly believe that I can heavily impact a game, even if I don't make a single shot. I've gotten as far as I have by fighting and outworking everyone around me.  I have great relationships with all my coaches and I have been captain of my Varsity team since my Sophmore year. I understand what it's like to get up every single day and put in work, even on the days I don't want to.